The Old Man is Back in 09

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Let the show begin.

On Friday at Daytona International Speedway, team owner Rick Hendrick and veteran NASCAR driver Mark Martin announced a multi-year deal that places Martin in Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 Chevrolet (watch video).

Martin, 49, who has 35 career Cup Series victories including four runner-up finishes in the championship -- as well as holding what is now the Nationwide Series' record for career victories with 48 -- will compete full time in 2009 and in a 26-race part-time schedule in 2010.

"Martin signs two-year deal with Hendrick for the No. 5
49-year-old hasn't raced full time since 2006 Cup season
By Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
July 5, 2008
02:26 AM EDT" NASCAR.COM - Martin signs two-year deal with Hendrick for the No. 5 - Jul 4, 2008

Martin has never won a championship at NASCAR's highest level, but reiterated on Friday that that fact in no way defines, or leaves a void in his career.

And he said his teenage son Matt's decision not to pursue a career in racing, which Mark Martin said he was "proud of and relieved by," helped him focus on his own passion for racing. He also said it made his decision to step back into the Cup Series full time, easier.

"It's an honor to get the consideration to do this -- to join this team," Martin said. "Any driver with a pulse would want to drive the 5 car.I did not see this coming and wasn't interested in talking about it, really, with any other teams. I don't know for sure if you guys [the media] comprehend what this really means to me -- the opportunity to work with these guys at this stage of [my] career.

Martin joins a team that contains two-time defending Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, four-time champion Jeff Gordon and two-time [Nationwide] Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr., who's currently the lead Hendrick driver in the championship, in third.

Only draw back is that he is team mates with Gordon and Johnson, Junior is O K., but those other two, no comment.

30th Senate District Wisconsin

From The A P

"Friday, July 4, 2008
Wisconsin: Candidate gives drivers cash in gas protest
Chad Fradette paid 34 drivers 34 cents per gallon, the amount of the state's minimum markup for gasoline
By The Associated Press" TH - Iowa-Illinois-Wisconsin Article

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A state Senate candidate shelled out $128 in cash to potential voters to protest high gas prices -- with the partial blessing of the state's new ethics watchdog.

Chad Fradette reimbursed 34 drivers at a downtown Green Bay gas station 34 cents per gallon on Wednesday after they filled up their tanks. Fradette said that's the amount Wisconsin's minimum markup law for gasoline costs drivers.

Fradette, a Republican, is running against Democratic Sen. Dave Hansen, of Green Bay, in what Republicans hope will be a competitive race. He said the first bill he would introduce would repeal the law, which requires gas stations to sell fuel at 9.18 percent above the local wholesale price or 6 percent over what they paid.

One, He used his own money. How petty will politicians get.

Two, he proved his point, people were happy to save money.

Three the min markup law should be taken off the books. It only costs the people of Wisconsin more of their hard earned money. Go to Illinois or upper Michigan and check prices. You can get some great deals just across the border.

Did anyone ask Dave Hansen if he would vote yes or no to repealing the min markup law? Highly doubtful. where is the MSM, asleep at the wheel?

The people of the 30th Senate District need someone better then Dave Hansen. Is he getting too old to run again?

Go for it Chad.

From The Declartion of Independence

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." The Declartion of Independence

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

The First To Go

"Journal Sentinel plans 10% work force reduction
By PAUL GORES
pgores@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 2, 2008

Journal Sentinel Inc. said Wednesday it intends to cut its work force by about 10% to cope with a reduction in advertising revenue and rising operating costs." JS Online: Journal Sentinel plans 10% work force reduction

Can anyone guess who the first will be to go.

The conservative right wingers who might be working there,

Funny how conservative publications are bulging at the seams and the left newspapers and other publication rags have to keep laying off people.

Left leaning, not willing to print the truth, carry water for the dems and leftie print newspapers will be a thing of the past.

Good for them.

Update 10:50 a m - I hope nothing happens to Patrick McIlheran. He is a good writer for J S Online. I would hate to see someone as Pat not at J S Online. It would be one less paper I would read if that happens.

The Next California Gold Rush

From Owen at B & S

"North Dakota Oil Booming

Once again, those evil oil companies stick it to the little guy.

In less than a year, Stohler and his wife, Lorene, 82, have become millionaires from the production of one well on their land near Dunn Center, a mile or so from the sod home where Oscar grew up. A second well has begun producing on their property and another is being drilled — all aimed at the Bakken shale formation, a rich deposit that the U.S. Geological Survey calls the largest continuous oil accumulation it has ever assessed.

Landowners in western North Dakota have a much better chance of striking it rich from oil than they do playing the lottery, say the Stohlers. Some of their neighbors in the town of about 120, from bar tenders to Tupperware salespeople, have become “overnight millionaires” from oil royalty payments.

“It’s the easiest money we’ve ever made,” said Lorene Stohler, who worked for decades as a sales clerk at a small department store." Boots & Sabers - The blogging will continue until morale improves...

How long will it take for people to pick up and move to North Dakota. The locals who are getting rich and will need to spend their money on something or somebody. Even if you don't own a oil well you can make money hand over fist.

The new Las Vegas, the oil rush of 09.

The next oil rush to North Dakota will begin soon.

You just wait and see.

P S , how long before radical Native American tribe leaders claim the underground oil to be theirs from broken 1800 U S treaties. It's their oil you know.

Do You Know What ANWR Is?

Got this from D & R from Colorado via e mail, good info.
Very good information.... be informed, read this!
FIRST. do you know what ANWR is?
ANWR = Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Now. A comparison

And some perspective.


NOTE WHERE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREA IS.
(it's in the "ANWR Coastal Plain")


THIS IS WHAT THE DEMOCRATS, LIBERALS AND "GREENS" SHOW YOU WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT ANWR, and they are right. these ARE photographs of ANWR





ISN'T ANWR BEAUTIFUL? WHY SHOULD WE DRILL HERE (AND DESTROY) THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE?

WELL. THAT'S NOT EXACTLY THE TRUTH

Do you remember the map?

The map showed that the proposed drilling area is in the ANWR Coastal Plain.

Do those photographs look like a coastal plain to you?

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE.

THAT IS NOT WHERE THEY ARE WANTING TO DRILL!

THIS IS WHAT THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION AREA ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE IN THE WINTER,


AND THIS IS WHAT IT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE IN THE SUMMER.


HERE ARE A COUPLE SCREEN SHOTS FROM GOOGLE EARTH



AS YOU CAN SEE, THE AREA WHERE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT DRILLING IS A BARREN WASTELAND.

OH, AND THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECT ON THE LOCAL WILDLIFE.

HERE IS A PHOTO (SHOT DURING THE SUMMER) OF THE "DEPLETED WILDLIFE" SITUATION CREATED BY DRILLING AROUND PRUDHOE BAY*.
DON'T YOU THINK THAT THE CARIBOU REALLY HATE THAT DRILLING?

HERE'S THAT SAME SPOT DURING THE WINTER.
HEY, THIS BEAR SEEMS TO REALLY HATE THE PIPELINE NEAR PRUDHOE BAY*.


*The Prudhoe bay area accounts for 17% of U.S. domestic oil production


NOW, WHY DO YOU THINK THAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE LYING ABOUT ANWR?

REMEMBER WHEN AL GORE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WORK TO ARTIFICIALLY RAISE GAS PRICES TO $5.00 A GALLON?

WELL, AL GORE AND HIS FELLOW DEMOCRATS HAVE ALMOST REACHED THEIR GOAL!


NOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN LYING,

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Democrats would certainly be irate if Republicans had done the exact same thing! They are so concerned about how the Republican Party lies, how about this!

For some reason the Democrats refuse to look at their own failings... wonder why?


YOU CAN START BY FORWARDING THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, SO THAT THEY WILL KNOW THE TRUTH.

If you don't agree, go read the New York Times

Oh Yea, The Old Man Is Coming Back

"Martin expected to drive for Hendrick next season

News conference scheduled for Friday at Daytona
By Sporting News Wire Service
July 1, 2008
11:51 PM EDT" NASCAR.COM - Martin expected to drive for Hendrick next season - Jul 1, 2008

Hendrick Motorsports is expected to announce Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Mark Martin will drive its No. 5 Chevrolet next season.

Hendrick Motorsports on Tuesday issued a media advisory that it would conduct a news conference Friday afternoon at the track to announce who will replace Casey Mears in the No. 5 car.

Martin has been talking with HMS about driving full time or part time for the team next year and will be part of the announcement, sources confirm. Although Martin has said in previous weeks he wanted to continue with a partial schedule, sources indicated he might run a full season for Hendrick.

Bring him on Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's about time!

Let The Left Chew On This

Revenge is a dish best served cold. To the left, eat this!

"LIMBAUGH SIGNS THROUGH 2016; $400 MILLION DEAL SHATTERS BROADCAST RECORDS

Wed Jul 02 2008 09:02:18 ET
**Exclusive**

The American broadcast industry is rocked, realigned and blasted into a new orbit, yet again, by Rush Limbaugh, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

In what is being described as an unprecedented radio contract, Limbaugh will keep his syndicated show on-the-air and e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e through 2016 with CLEAR CHANNEL and PREMIERE RADIO.

Already host of the most lucrative hours since radio's inception, Limbaugh's total package is valued north of $400 million, according to media insiders.

The NEW YORK TIMES will claim this weekend that Limbaugh, marking 20 years this summer as a national host, has secured a 9-figure signing bonus for the new deal, newsroom sources tell DRUDGE.

MORE

In its controversial profile, the TIMES reports that Limbaugh is buying a new G550 jet and is making an estimated $38 million a year." DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2008®

To all the lefties that are jealous, please STICK IT. He, He, He! It must be difficult today to sit on your sorry butts!

Can someone tell where I can pick up Air America? Oh, are they even on the air?

Congrats to Rush,

thanks for being with us conservatives till 2016.

Hard work does get you something.

DITTO'S

Ban Lead Shot, Ban Cars

"Traces of lead found in Wis. venison
DNR offers tips to keep meat free of poison" Traces of lead found in Wis. venison | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

MADISON — A state inspection of approximately 200 packages of ground venison turned up traces of lead in about 4 percent of the samples, according to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources spokesman."Any level of lead is considered harmful," said Sean Strom, DNR wildlife toxicologist.
"There really is no safe level of lead. That's what makes this issue so hard to grasp."

If you can't ban guns, then ban the bullets. I bet Peta has it's hand in this.

As a result, North Dakota pulled hunter-donated venison from its food pantries, causing other states — including Wisconsin and Minnesota — to conduct examinations of venison for traces of le

Those evil hunters , giving free meat to food pantries with tainted meat, poisoning people, evil!

And then the poor eagles.

"In Wisconsin, we found lead poisoning in eagles increased with the onset of the hunting season," Strom said. "We examined 583 dead eagles from 2000 to 2007 and found about 15 percent of the deaths were due to lead poisoning."

Eagles readily dine on the remains of hunter-killed deer and other animals that die in road-side collisions. Strom said the leading cause of eagle deaths "is being hit by cars" as they scavenge on road kills.

There you go, another reason to ban cars. They kill most eagles, where is the outrage. Those poor eagles. Who would of thought.

Ban the cars!

Oh Brother!

My DNR Worries

"Boat launch debate roils
DNR’s $1 million plan for Okauchee Lake wasteful, critics say
By DARRYL ENRIQUEZ and LEE BERGQUIST
denriquez@journalsentinel.com
Posted: June 30, 2008

Town of Oconomowoc - The state Department of Natural Resources wants to expand its boat launch on Okauchee Lake, but the local lake association and a well-known restaurant owner are questioning the project as a wasteful spending of $1 million." JS Online: Boat launch debate roils

The dispute underscores the problems the DNR encounters when it tries to improve public access to some of Wisconsin’s busiest waterways.

“I think it is excessive and totally unnecessary,” Hans Weissgerber Jr., owner of the popular Golden Mast Inn on Okauchee Lake, told members of the Natural Resources Board last week.

Weissgerber has had an agreement with the DNR since 1997 to provide public parking spaces at his restaurant for boaters.

From an earlier post I voiced my concerns about the WDNR spending more time then they should on anyone's lake.

Read the full article and ask yourself, how far will the DNR go when they think they are right!

Most people working for the DNR are good people but when the radical left in the department make decisions on their own, what will happen? How much will property owners pay? How many of your God given rights be taken away?

Ask your self in southeastern Wisconsin how you were shoved down your throats reformulated gas? Link to J S Online

How far will they go?

Marinette Wis., Gasoline Prices Under Steve Kagen

People of the Marinette Wis.

How much more will you pay for gasoline with Steve Kagen as your 8th district Congressman?

Today.................3.989 Holiday, Roosevelt Rd
One Month Ago...3.972
One Year Ago......3.069
Link to Gas Buddy

The month Steve Kagen became our 8th district Congressman,
January of 2007, gasoline prices in Wisconsin were as low as $1.95 gal.

Link to Jan 2007 gas posting


1/16/07
Wholesale Crude Oil - $53.18 Barrel
Wholesale Gasoline - $1.4320
6/16/08
Wholesale Crude Oil - $142.31 Barrel.......up 89.13 a barrel
Wholesale Gasoline - 3.5397 Gal.............up 2.11 gal.

Link to Wholesale prices.

Congressman Steve Kagen is not looking out for the people of the 8th district!

People of Marinette, how much more can you afford? It's your money!

It's time to send Steve Kagen back to private practice!

Meals on Wheels

From CBS 13 Eugene Oregon.
Not sure if Steve Kagen would understands this, no it has nothing to do with suing OPEC.

"Meals on Wheels feeling the pinch at the pump" Meals on Wheels feeling the pinch at the pump | KVAL CBS 13 - News, Weather and Sports - Eugene, OR - Eugene, Oregon | News

Gas prices aren't the only thing causing that pinch. There's also the rising cost of food, especially corn.

"The cost of actual meat, dairy and breads are all higher now because of much of the fact that much of the corn crops are being diverted to the production of ethanol," said Program Manager Sandy Karsten.

So gas prices are up! Come on you people in Oregon, do you think the corn farmers and ethanol producing fat cats in Wisconsin will feel sorry for you?

Food prices are up because of what? Ethanol production.

Is meals on wheels in Wisconsin also feeling the pinch for our senior citizens?

Will the politicians blame ethanol, not while the corn holers fill their pockets with cash!

I don't think so.

When seniors start going hungry, who will they blame?

People, people, people of Wisconsin, when will you wake up.

Stop the ethanol mandates, stop them now!

If ethanol is so good, take the mandates off and lets see if people keep buying it.

We need to take care of our seniors.

We will Miss You Rocco

From Owen at B & S and Little Miss Sunshine

"Rocco Headed for Big Gun Show in the Sky

Sad news.

After a lifetime spent promoting outdoor fun in Wisconsin, Rocco soon will swim his last pond and retrieve his final hunting trophy.

The canine half of the Bob and Rocco duo, known throughout the state for gun shows and hunting expeditions, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The 11-year-old black Labrador retriever is not expected to live more than a couple of weeks longer.

“This is a day-by-day thing,” Bob Pucci, whose favorite hunting companion is also a beloved mascot at some 25 shows a year in Milwaukee, Waukesha and elsewhere, said today.

Hat tip Little Miss Sunshine. " Boots & Sabers - The blogging will continue until morale improves...

At least Rocco can smile since the Supreme Court ruling came out last week for gun owners. He stood for what is good and right.

Rocco, we will miss you.

My Politics 101

Was on the road today and in between stops had on the local news talk radio station.

A commercial from Freedom Watch came on slamming Steve Kagen for his do nothing on high gasoline prices. Nice commercial, I like it!

As anyone who reads my blog knows I am not a tech geek, a profound speller (even with spell check), not a journalism professional. I speak from the heart. I am a conservative.

My question to all who know better then I, why is radio spots like the one against Kagen on A M Talk radio? If I'm not mistaken WTAQ 1360 Green Bay, WISN 1130 Milwaukee, WTMJ 620 Milwaukee, WSAU 550 Wausau are all right leaning conservative radio stations. I'm not sure if it is playing on all of these and others but it just struck me. I know Kagen is playing with our money and is doing nothing to reduce fuel prices. Has any MSM asked him, "will you vote to drill in ANWR?" Not that I know of.

Freedom Watch does not have to make me feel good by running the spots on A M talk radio! Generally the people who listen are mostly conservative and republican leaning listeners. Why not run spots and they may, on F M stations, I don't understand the target audience?

If I was, say , John Gard, pick your candidate or issue ad, wouldn't I try to get the voters that I don't have? If you want to grow the base, do you go after the people you have or the ones you don't have? The 18 plus voters listen to mostly F M stations. The over 65 crowd listens to e z listening or the jazz hour. I am some what of a informed voter so I really do not need a push or I do not need to hear a commercial on my candidate or an important issue like higher taxes. I don't need a soft fuzzy, I know what I am going to do in the elections and no one needs to tell me who to blame for higher gasoline prices.

How about running spots on Bob and Tom WOZZ or Dave and Carol on WKLH? Or Saturday mornings during the Polka Party? Probably would get a better rate at off peak drive times. Or if you are going to pay top dollar, flood the F M dial. These young voters are paying high gasoline prices too. They need to hear who is shafting them on fuel prices.

Now I tried to find the spot that is running and what stations it might be playing on but as of this post do not have that information.

Let me address a lot of political ads. They get all fancy with bells and whistles. Just tell the uninformed people how much they are paying for gasoline since the dems took over congress. Tell the uninformed voters how much more they are paying for food since the dems took over on 07. Get back to simple straight forward information the voters understand. Tell them milk prices, LP prices for winter, a case of Pepsi or Coke, go ahead tell them how much more a case of beer costs, they can relate to things they see and buy everyday. From diapers to toilet paper, that's all they know and understand. As for myself, don't tell me, I already know!

Conservative politicians and citizen groups advertising for support, contributions and votes, go after the people you don't have, I'm already on board. Spend your money wisely.

That's my Politics Class101

The End Of The World As We Know It

"AP
Starbucks closing 600 stores in the US
Tuesday July 1, 4:26 pm ET
Starbucks closing 600 underperforming stores in the United States

SEATTLE (AP) -- Starbucks Corp. has announced it's closing 600 underperforming stores in the United States.

The Seattle-based premium coffee company also announced Tuesday it expects to open fewer than 200 new company-operated stores in the United States in fiscal 2009.

The company says it will try to place workers from closed stores in remaining Starbucks." Starbucks closing 600 stores in the US: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

My God, this could be worse then Orson Welles "War of the World" in 1938.

Some fled their homes; others merely were terrified. What will the left do without some Star Bucks stores?

The pain, no Breakfast blend, the pain no Starbucks Doubleshot™ ,the pain no Ice Beverage,My GOD no Sumatra -Decaf.

Have faith , Barack will find a way to save your suffering. We conservatives are also there for you in your time of need. There should be a bipartisan commission called to look into this! Where is the outrage?

Stand away from your latte machine, sit down and call your local Dunkin' Donut. Proceed to ride your bicycle or take nearest city transportation vehicle ( it's called a bus) to purchase a cheaper but excellent cup of real coffee.

Have faith, change you can believe in, " I'm asking you to believe! Not just in my ability to bring about real change in specialty coffee.............I'm asking you to believe in yours.

Just in case here is Star Bucks link to salivate your taste buds.

Kagen Grandstanding

Hats off to The Appletonian. Nice job. You said it all!

"Monday, June 30, 2008
Steve Kagen's brilliant idea
Democratic Congressman Steve Kagen's brilliant idea to drive down energy costs: force oil companies to drill where there is no oil.

Kagen is a co-sponsor of the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act which would bar companies from obtaining any additional federal leases for drilling unless they are producing oil and gas from the leases they already hold or are about to do so.

“I voted to encourage oil companies to drill - now - on every acre we leased to them and if they do not drill, we need to know why not. They should drill it or lose it,” said Kagen.

This "use it or lose it" policy Kagen proposes, moreover, is already the law of the land. It is nothing more than political grandstanding. I think Kagen's becoming increasingly concerned that John Gard's proposal to open up more land for domestic drilling makes sense and is gaining traction with 8th district residents." The Appletonian: Steve Kagen's brilliant idea

People of the 8th district, the truth is slowly coming out!

One question, did anyone at today's Kagen news conference pick up on this? Where are you MSM?

Something Wrong In Manitowoc

They must have major problems at the Manitowoc Company. From J S Online.

"MONDAY, June 30, 2008, 4:48 p.m.
By Rick Barrett
Manitowoc Co. wins bidding for Enodis

Manitowoc Co. (MTW) has won an auction to purchase a British restaurant-equipment manufacturer, Enodis Plc, for $2.7 billion.

Enodis, which supplies fryer systems to McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants, was at the center of a bidding war between Manitowoc and its competitor, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW).

If the deal closes as expected this fall, it will quadruple Manitowoc's annual food-equipment sales to more than $2 billion and make it one of the largest companies of its kind in the world.

Enodis, which has manufacturing plants in North America, Europe and Asia, and employs 6,800 workers, recently reported a profit of $19 million for the six months ending March 29. More than 70% of the company's sales are from North America. " JS Online: NewsWatch

How could a large evil company buy another. That evil company may even add jobs to the area! It's that evil George Bush, it's his fault! How awful, what is becoming of the state of Wisconsin? What will happen to the people of the Manitowoc area. Where is Steve Kagen, he should take this company to court for excessive profits to buy another foreign company. I am just sick!

Where's the litigation?

Where's the out rage?

To those on the left, STICK IT! No socialism here! No communism here! Good old fashion free economics.

We are proud of this Wisconsin Company.

Congratulations to all the people at the Manitowoc Company. When most on the left are complaining, you are ahead of the curve on business in Wisconsin.

Hats off to the Manitowoc Co.!

Berry Lake EWM Update

Received a e mail from the people in charge of fighting EWM at Berry Lake. JFYI, I did leave out some comments directed towards pictures and maps.

The DNR just informed us that they intend to have a team inventorying the aquatic plants on Berry Lake this "Wednesday or Thursday." They write, "This will be an identical survey to the one we collected last year and in which we discovered Eurasian watermilfoil." Circumstances such as weather could change the day(s) of the inventory.

In last year's survey, the DNR sampled 140 points with points in a grid 50 meters apart. The attached DNR map of Berry Lake shows the 140 points and the location of the EWM which they found during last year's survey.

A whole lake aquatic plant inventory is one important measure in determining the health of the lake. Aquatic plants are a very important part of a lake's ecosystem. Aquatic plants contribute to clean water and a robust fishery.

Last year's DNR aquatic plant survey not only found the Eurasian water-milfoil in an early stage, it reported that Berry Lake has an excellent aquatic plant community. The aquatic plants are diverse and include some rare species.

A healthy aquatic plant community is an important aid in defending against the establishment and spread of aquatic invasive plants. Established natives reduce the area available to the invasives. Established mature natives can out compete newly arrived invasives.

Our EWM monitoring program is underway. The results of past pulling and treatment continues to be very positive, although we expect to discover EWM plants as the summer progresses.

Thus far, we located one single small EWM plant (which the diver removed) but we have a lot more surveying to do before we are in a position to speak with confidence about how the lake is doing. Yesterday and today we found some plants that could be the good native Northern Milfoil but have some Eurasian water-milfoil characteristics. We are investigating the possibility that these may be Northern/EWM hybrids.

The DNR's aquatic plant survey is not nearly as exhaustive as our EWM monitoring surveys. The DNR may find more EWM but even if they don't, we should not feel secure until we have had an opportunity to conduct more monitoring surveys of our own.

A couple of comments.

One, it is good everyone involved with fighting EWM is seeing some results. A big Thank You to all the volunteers.

Two, I cringe with the above comment of "The aquatic plants are diverse and include some rare species." How rare before someone would tell us they are so rare that boats will have to come off the water to save the plants? Just putting it out there.

Three, I just get the heeby jeebies when I hear the WDNR will be close. The dnr is helping us get through this which is good. I know one of the WDNR people and he is a good hard working guy, Hats off to him. Thank you for your help!

I just get that feeling whenever the word WDNR is spoken. The feeling is they just want to take away property owners rights, etc, etc.. They have more power then law enforcement and just get the feeling they could do more harm then good. No, no one is doing any harm to the environment or our lake, we all care for Berry Lake, but it's just the WDNR has a bad reputation even if it may not be so.

So to the agents from the WDNR that will be helping on our lake I at least say

Thank You for your work.

P S, Sorry, I will be away at work.

Black Creek Wis. Gasoline Prices Under Steve Kagen

People of the Black Creek Wis.

How much more will you pay for gasoline with Steve Kagen as your 8th district Congressman?

Today.................3.929 Citgo

Link to Gas Buddy and Outagamie County Gasoline prices

The month Steve Kagen became our 8th district Congressman,
January of 2007, gasoline prices in Wisconsin were as low as $1.95 gal.

People of Black Creek, you are paying almost $2.00 gal more for gasoline.

Link to Jan 2007 gas posting


1/16/07
Wholesale Crude Oil - $53.18 Barrel
Wholesale Gasoline - $1.4320
6/30/08
Wholesale Crude Oil - $140.03 Barrel.......up 86.85 a barrel
Wholesale Gasoline - 3.5040 Gal.............up 2.07 gal.

Link to Wholesale prices.

Congressman Steve Kagen is not looking out for the people of the 8th district!

People of Black Creek, how much more can you afford? It's your money!

It's time to send Steve Kagen back to private practice!

Your Democratic Party

"DNC protests will be behind fence

By Felisa Cardona
The Denver Post " DNC protests will be behind fence - The Denver Post

The fence around the public demonstration zone outside the Democratic National Convention will be chicken wire or chain link, authorities revealed in U.S. District Court today.

That may allow protestors to be seen and heard by delegates going in and out of the Pepsi Center during the convention.

But the American Civil Liberties Union and several advocacy groups have filed an amended complaint to their lawsuit against the U.S. Secret Service and the city and county of Denver that says protestors and demonstrators may have their First Amendment rights violated by security restrictions.

I know the protesters can take the chain link but can they take C H I C K E N wire? That should be worth watching!

And this is the party of diversity, openness and truth. Ha!

Kagen Update News Conference

WBAY Update 5:48 p m on Steve Kagens news conference.

"Congressman, Companies Look for Gas Price Solutions

Updated: June 30, 2008 05:48 PM " WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: Congressman, Companies Look for Gas Price Solutions

By Kristin Byrne

Oil prices hit another all-time high Monday, gas prices continue to climb, and they continue to rock the American economy.

It's causing some area companies to search for some solution to ease the pain, and they're joining sides with a local representative to explore options for relief.

"A small business like ourself is just going by the wayside," said Harold Grimes, whose family owns Grimes Trucking.

Even those who supply fuel are sick of seeing oil and gas prices rise.

"We're seeing a severe decline in demand," Mike Koel of U.S. Oil said.

At a news conference Monday with Congressman Steve Kagen, the grim consequences of rising fuel costs wasn't the main focus. Rather, it was how to find relief.

Can people see through this? How to find relief? We the people want lower fuel prices now, not later!

Kagen, an Appleton Democrat, said he has three key plans that he's working on to help ease the pain at the pump:

1. Drilling for new oil in our country
2. Putting more money into using renewable energy sources
3. Preventing investors from manipulating oil prices

Ok quote from Mr. Kagen. "said he has three key plans that he's working on", so you have a plan Mr Kagen?

These are concepts a number of companies are backing.

"We have about a hundred billion barrels of oil sitting beneath our continent," said Grimes. "It's just amazing that we look at we geologically we have in this country and we're not utilizing."

Why does Mr. Grimes say we have oil and are not drilling? Where did Steve Kagen specifically say, drill in ANWR? Where did Steve Kagen say drill off the shores of the U.S.? Where did Steve Kagen say we have our own oil and we should start drilling now? No where to be found. Somebody tell me he said it, please, where is true journalism?

"Renewable fuels is also very important," Koel said. "Today ethanol makes up seven percent of our gasoline supply. Without that seven percent where would gas prices be today?"

Can I hit this one out of the park!
"Without that seven percent where would gas prices be today?"
We would have cheaper fuels, cheaper food prices, cheaper everything made of corn! See what corn mandates did! I''m sorry, does Mr Koel transport corn and ethanol? Mr. Koal, you are a business man! Mr. Koal, did you really say that, did you? Say it ain't so!

But even if legislation pushing for different energy options is passed, it could take time to start seeing changes at the pumps.

So legislation is not yet passed?

Still, for these companies and their representative, it is worth the fight.

"We have done our job in the House. Now it's time for them to act," Congressman Kagen said.

Steve Kagen just said he has plans and now he says "We have done our job in the House."

Main Stream Media, did you really let him pass on this? Does he or does he not have a plan? Did he or did he not say he did his job, what job did he do? Come on, somebody call him on this.

People of the 8th district, Steve Kagen is trying to keep the left happy and will hang you out to dry with higher gas prices. Some businessmen should be ashamed of themselves for not calling out Steve Kagen!

When will the MSM report the truth?

It truly is a sad day for the people of the 8th district. Hang onto your wallets!

Kagen Press Conference

"Congressman, Trucking Companies Promote Domestic Oil Drilling
Updated: June 30, 2008 02:17 PM " WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: Congressman, Trucking Companies Promote Domestic Oil Drilling

Oil prices hit another all-time high Monday, gas prices continue to climb, and they continue to rock the American economy.

Crude oil at 4:49 p m today - 140.21 barrel. Gasoline in Cecil Wis today was $3.99 gal.

In a news conference Monday morning, Congressman Steve Kagen talked about legislation he's working on to help ease the pain at the pump.

I know it's still early and all of Kagen's news conference has not been released as of this writing but what exactly is he doing to ease the people's pain over high fuel prices?

Kagen, an Appleton Democrat, mentioned domestic drilling, using renewable energy, and finding ways to keep oil speculators from manipulating prices.

He mentioned domestic drilling? How much did he talk about drilling and how much time did he talk about renewable energy? Again from the WBAY article he mentioned "domestic drilling", does he mean the lefts mantra of "they already have land that they are leasing that the oil companies are not drilling for now? Using "renewable energy", how many more wind mills does he want to build which does nothing for fuel prices? Then he says "finding ways to keep oil speculators from manipulating prices", is he talking about suing OPEC again. What good will that do?

Oil and trucking companies in our area say we need more emphasis on oil drilling in America.

Oh really! What vote will Steve Kagen take on oil drilling in ANWR?

"It's just amazing that we look at we geologically we have in this country and we're not utilizing," said Harold Grimes, whose family owns Grimes Trucking.

Did Mr. Grimes tell this to Steve Kagen? If he did, then Mr Grimes took Mr. Kagen to the wood shed! I hope so! Again the article paints a picture of Steve Kagen will do something for high gasoline prices but then also repeats what he has been saying before! Renewable energy.

Did anyone ask Steve Kagen directly , "WILL YOU VOTE FOR OFF SHORE AND ANWR DRILLING? I will wait and see.

Kagen said Congress recently approved putting more money into renewable sources of energy.

What does "more money into renewable sources of energy" have to do with the price we are paying at the pump?

Steve Kagen is stuck with the environmental left and the rest of the people in the 8th district will be left on the gas pump hook.

I will wait for the entire news conference to see exactly what Steve Kagen said and how will the MSM report what he really said or will they tell us something he did not say!

As Paul Harvey says,"and now the rest of the story". Time will tell.

We need to send Steve Kagen back to private practice.